Electrical Installer: Darren MacRae
Darren knew that he wanted to become an electrician while he was still at school, having completed a work experience placement with ESL Ltd. He saw the best way to achieve his ambition quickly was through the Modern Apprenticeship programme. “If I want I can complete this level of qualification and then go on to university to do Electrical Engineering. In fact my Modern Apprenticeship has improved my chances of doing well if I take this career path. However, in the meantime, I can earn money doing a job I enjoy at ESL Ltd, and work towards the future.”
Engineer: Murray Coghill
Despite having enough qualifications to study engineering to degree level, Murray decided that a good practical background, backed up by underpinning knowledge, was the best career path for him. In his first 12 months as a modern apprentice, Murray gained a National Certificate and an SVQ Level 2, then in his second and third years he gained greater practical skills while continuing his education to Higher National Certificate level and undertaking a placement in the facility’s drawing office. His fourth year saw him successfully complete his SVQ Level 3, Higher National Certificate and, as a result, his Modern Apprenticeship.
Murray’s aptitude and commitment so impressed the drawing office manager that he was immediately offered a position as a trainee design draughtsperson, a role which he took up a full eight months ahead of schedule. Quickly becoming accustomed to his duties, he finished his Higher National Diploma in July 2003 and was promoted to design draughtsperson.
Greenkeeper: Scott Petigrew
Many of us watch golf tournaments and see sweeping shots of immaculate greens and fairways. Scott Pettigrew is a greenkeeper – one of the people whose job it is to keep the courses in perfect condition. “My Careers Guidance teacher at school introduced me to the Modern Apprenticeship programme, which meant I could start work immediately but still train and gain qualifications. I would love to use the qualifications and experience I have gained through Tain Golf Club and my Modern Apprenticeship to work on big international courses.”
Hospitality : Robert Powell
Managing Director of two hotels, Robert Powell has been involved with Modern Apprenticeships for several years. “We know that Modern Apprenticeships provide the ideal way for individuals and us to build a mutually successful future, through training and experience given at work. Our hotels are based in a beautiful but remote area. Investing in young people who are locally based and want to stay in the area means we have both long-term commitment from staff and a depth of experience to draw on for other young people joining us. It is then essential that we keep those experienced staff with us through the incentives of good conditions and pay.”
Mechanic: Chris Tait
Chris Tait is learning car mechanics the 21st century way. He’s doing a Modern Apprenticeship as a mechanical and electronic service technician. It means he’s picking up the trade by working alongside a vastly experienced mechanic at Ayre Service Station, while gaining a wealth of added skills at a college run by Vauxhall. “It’s very good training, but I also enjoy learning the job by working here in the workshop.”
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